Finding the force required to stop an object

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In summary, the conversation discusses finding the force needed to stop an object with a mass of 6.9*10^-3 kg and a velocity of 1300 m/s in a distance of 1 cm. The equations F = ma and v^2 = v_o ^2 + 2aΔx are used to solve for the force, resulting in a value of -5.83*10^6 N. However, the mistake is discovered to be using 0.001 m instead of 0.01 m for the distance, leading to an incorrect answer.
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Nat3
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Homework Statement


An object with mass [itex]6.9*10^-3 kg[/itex] and velocity 1300 m/s comes to a stop in 1cm. What force was applied to stop it?

Homework Equations


F = ma
[itex]v^2=v_o ^2+2a\Delta x[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution


[itex]v^2=v_o ^2+2a\Delta x[/itex]
[itex]0=(1300)^2+2a(0.001)[/itex]
[itex]a=-\frac{(1300)^2}{2(0.001)}=-8.45*10^8 \frac{m}{s^2}[/itex]

[itex]F=ma[/itex]
[itex]F=(6.9*10^{-3} kg)(-8.45*10^8 \frac{m}{s^2})= -5.83*10^6 N[/itex]

Apparently that is not the correct answer. What did I do wrong?

Many thanks!
 
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  • #2
1 cm = 0.01 m not 0.001 m.
 
  • #3
Well now, I feel kind of silly :) At least it was a good mistake to make, being so simple to fix!

Thanks!
 

What is the definition of force?

Force is a physical quantity that causes an object to accelerate or change its motion. It is measured in Newtons (N) and is represented by the equation F=ma, where F is force, m is mass, and a is acceleration.

What is the difference between force and velocity?

Force is a measure of the strength or energy that is required to move an object, while velocity is a measure of the speed and direction of an object's motion.

How do you calculate the force required to stop an object?

The force required to stop an object can be calculated using the equation F=mv/t, where F is force, m is mass, v is velocity, and t is time. This equation is based on the concept of Newton's second law of motion, which states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the force applied to it.

What are some factors that can affect the force required to stop an object?

The force required to stop an object can be affected by factors such as the object's mass, velocity, and the surface it is traveling on. Other factors include the presence of friction, air resistance, and the force of gravity.

How can the force required to stop an object be applied?

The force required to stop an object can be applied in different ways, depending on the situation. For example, it can be applied by using brakes on a moving vehicle or by pushing against an object in the opposite direction of its motion. In some cases, the force of friction can also act as a stopping force.

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